"Beginners sometimes mistake a divided leaf for a branch. The leaflets of a divided leaf all lie in the same plane, so that the whole leaf forms a flat surface; also, all... look alike. Branches of the same plant, on the other hand, vary greatly in size and appearance; the leaves normally face in different directions and will therefore not lie flat. Branches also bear flower and leaf buds, which leaves never do."  Lawrence Newcomb, Newcomb's Wildflower Guide